State, tribe meet about blackjack

Gov. Charlie Crist's top advisers met Monday with representatives of the Seminole Tribe to discuss what comes next after the Florida Supreme Court's decision that Crist had no authority to allow blackjack and table games at tribal casinos.

Crist said his office is weighing his response to the ruling - which could include trying to appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Crist negotiated an agreement with the Seminoles that gave them Las Vegas-style slots and blackjack in exchange for at least $100 million a year for the state.

The Florida Supreme Court ruled last week that Crist didn't have the right to allow the tribe to operate blackjack and other table games, which are illegal under Florida law. The decision has created a swirl of uncertainty, with the tribe maintaining it has federal approval to continue offering the table games it debuted June 22 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood.

"I just want to do what's in the best interest of Florida and education dollars," Crist said Monday during a visit to Fort Lauderdale. "We have a lot of options, which include continuing to work with the Legislature to alter the law."

The question of which games the Seminoles could offer will be resolved in one of two ways: through the courts or by negotiating a new deal that is approved by the state Legislature. The tribe has said it's reluctant to start negotiations with the Legislature, where conservative Republican leaders have been vocal about their opposition to expanded gambling.

Barry Richard, an attorney for the tribe, said no decisions were made in Monday's meeting with Crist's staff in Tallahassee.

The Isle Casino & Racing at Pompano Park filed a federal lawsuit last month in Tallahassee asking for U.S. District Judge Stephan Mickle to halt the tribe from offering blackjack and table games. On Monday, Pompano Park's attorneys asked Mickle to consider the Florida Supreme Court's decision before ruling.

Mickle has said he doesn't need any oral arguments on the injunction request, but he hasn't offered a time frame when he could rule, said Wilbur Brewton, one of Pompano Park's attorneys.

Tallahassee Bureau Writer Aaron Deslatte contributed to this report.

Jon Burstein can be reached at jburstein@sun-sentinel. com or 954-356-4491.